What Buddhist festivals are celebrated? When and how?

There are a number of Buddhist festivals celebrated throughout the year, of which the most important is the commemoration of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are three days to be honored and the dates are based on the Chinese Lunar calendar: Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday -- 8 April Sakyamuni Buddha's Renouncement Day -- 8 February Sakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Day -- 8 December Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday is also called the Bathing Buddha Festival. According to the legend, after the baby prince was born, he walked seven steps forward and at each step, a lotus flower sprang up from the ground. Two dragons appeared in the sky, gently spurting two streams of purified water down, one warm and one cool, to bathe the baby. Thereafter, when people celebrate the Buddha's birthday, they use fragrant water to bathe the Buddha statue. This ritual symbolizes the purification of our mind, signifying that it is easy to wash away our physical dirt, but is difficult to remove inner or mental dirt of greed, anger, and ignorance. Sakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment Day is commemorated in a Dharma function and is usually celebrated by eating the "December 8th congee," which is prepared with eight vegetarian ingredients. Before his enlightenment, he practiced a wide variety of asceticism, and reduced his diet until he was eating nothing at all, but still he could not succeed. He realized that neither self-mortification nor self-indulgence was the way; the only way to enlightenment should be the "Middle path" between the two extremes. He finally accepted the milk offered to him by a shepherdess to regain his energy. At the age of 35, while sitting under a bodhi tree in deep contemplation, he became enlightened. In celebrating this day, the eating of the congee is to symbolize the nourishing of the physical body which is important for our cultivation and enlightenment.

How do I create good affinity?
There are four ways:
(1) Through Time: Building good affinity in the present is the foundation for future affinity. What we do and how we relate to others in the present moment nurtures positive conditions and connections for the future. Even a small but friendly gesture toward a stranger today will eventually result in positive affinity. When we create positive karma throughout time, both in the present and for the future, its perpetual generation will eventually yield beneficial results.

(2) Through Space: We not only need to generate good affinity for our immediate surroundings, we must also do so for the universal environment. In fact, the karma we create for our present location contains the cause for karma of distant locations, and ultimately, all locations. In Buddhist beliefs, space and time exist on a continuum. Therefore, we must not neglect even the smallest good deed within our limited environment. We are planting a seed that will eventually grow into a gigantic tree.

(3) Through Human World: In addition to developing good relationships with our fellow human beings, we should build affinity with all beings. We will generate everlasting affinity that is in harmony with the Dharma.

(4) Through Cause and Effect: There are three types of human connections: "intimate relations," "changing relations," and "passing relations." Intimate relations strengthen the connections in relationships that are already close. Changing relations improve the compatibility within difficult relationships. For example, this may occurs in a family setting, between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. We can create positive affinity to resolve misunderstanding and bring peace and harmony into the family. Passing relations cultivate the interconnectedness that exists between all beings, include strangers. For instance, when you help someone who has fallen down, the two of you had no relationship before, but now, a connection has been formed.

How many types of meditation are there?
Meditation is simply concentrated awareness; so in practicing, there are two types of meditation that help to develop your concentration -- Samatha Meditation and Vipassana Meditation. If the Samatha (Concentration) Meditation is adopted, then the emphasis is on learning to apply concentration or a one-pointed mind in your daily life. If Vipassana (Insight) Meditation is chosen, then learning to apply awareness and mindfulness to your daily life is the focus.

If our lives are determined by our karma, can we change it?
Yes, we can change our karma. Karma results from the seeds of good and evil deeds stored in the alaya-vijnana and will manifest when the right conditions arise. Some seeds ripen in this life, some in the next life, and some in future lives. Evil seeds that have already been planted will inevitably give rise to evil fruit. They will not be cancelled out by doing good deeds. The only thing we can do to change our destiny or to prevent the reaping of evil fruit is to practice kind deeds, correct our faults, and create more good conditions. In doing so, the seeds of evil deeds will not have the proper conditions to grow and the evil fruit will be less severe. If many good deeds are performed, good fruit will ripen quickly, so that evil conditions will be weakened. This is like a glass of salt water, which is similar to evil deeds. If a lot of fresh water, which symbolizes good deeds, is added to the salt water, the fresh water will dilute the salt water, making it less salty. Thus by doing good deeds and creating good conditions, one's life can be changed for the better.

What message does Buddhism offer the world today?
In the world today, environmental pollution has become a serious problem and finally, humankind has begun to understand the need for protecting our environment. However, the problem of mental or spiritual pollution is many times more serious than that of the physical environment. Not many people realize that mental and spiritual neglect and disarray is the source of worldly ills. Buddhism, the teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha, is considered the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous society because it can purify the human mind to establish a pureland on earth. Buddhism provides the solution to a myriad of social ills and leads the way to changing one's suffering into happiness.

What kind of spiritual fulfillment do Buddhists seek?
The spiritual fulfillment a Buddhist seeks is the recovery of the true basic nature or Buddha nature from the inner mind, in which the ultimate wisdom can be attained. The Buddha taught us that the main objective of our practice or cultivation was to achieve this ultimate wisdom. Everyone has the potential to realize this state of ultimate wisdom, as it is an intrinsic part of our nature, not something one obtains externally. Thus, Buddhism aims at regaining our own intrinsic nature which is now temporarily lost as a result of our delusion and confusion. Due to our lack of wisdom, we perceive, view, and behave foolishly, and thus suffer the consequences evoked by our incorrect actions. With wisdom, we can solve our problems and turn suffering into happiness.

What is the righteous attitude in Taking Refuge?
Taking refuge is the initiation that one undergoes to formally become a Buddhist. It is a person's lifelong decision to devote themselves to the Buddhist path. Students must follow the proper steps in a timely manner, completing their registration forms before taking the classes. When one Takes Refuge, he is taking refuge in all Buddhas, the Dharma, and the Sangha from the Ten directions. The most significant aspect of the decision is vowing to take refuge in the Triple Gem within oneself, rather than in a specific person or a venerable. After one takes refuge and formally becomes a Buddhist, he or she is a disciple of Buddhism rather that of a specific person

Why should we be vegetarians, as long as we have a good heart and do not engage in harmful behavior?
Such a question may seem quite reasonable. However, if you consider it further, a significant discrepancy arises. As a merciful and good-hearted person, how can you bear to take pleasure in a meal for which another sentient being has suffered? How can you consider yourself merciful and compassionate if you ignore the pains of the animals that are sacrificed for your enjoyment? The primary reason why Buddhism encourages people to be vegetarians is to help nurture their compassion. Confucianism expresses a maxim regarding meat eating: "When you see a living thing you cannot bear to see it die. After you hear it cry when being slaughtered you can not bear to eat its flesh. Thus, as a kind person, you should stay away from the kitchen." From this, we can see that vegetarianism carries great significance in the nurturing of mercy and compassion.

If our lives are determined by our karma, can we change it?
Yes, we can change our karma. Karma results from the seeds of good and evil deeds stored in the alaya-vijnana and will manifest when the right conditions arise. Some seeds ripen in this life, some in the next life, and some in future lives. Evil seeds that have already been planted will inevitably give rise to evil fruit. They will not be cancelled out by doing good deeds. The only thing we can do to change our destiny or to prevent the reaping of evil fruit is to practice kind deeds, correct our faults, and create more good conditions. In doing so, the seeds of evil deeds will not have the proper conditions to grow and the evil fruit will be less severe. If many good deeds are performed, good fruit will ripen quickly, so that evil conditions will be weakened. This is like a glass of salt water, which is similar to evil deeds. If a lot of fresh water, which symbolizes good deeds, is added to the salt water, the fresh water will dilute the salt water, making it less salty. Thus by doing good deeds and creating good conditions, one's life can be changed for the better.

What should I do when trouble finds me?
Try the following: (1) Face it squarely and challenge it. (2) Learn to deal with it. Everything in this world can be resolved. (3) Stay steady. Have confidence! Don't be swayed by changes. (4) Think about what the wise teachers of past and present would do. Follow their examples and go forward. (5) Read stories of Buddhist masters of the past. Learn from their examples of courage under difficult challenges. (6) Consider whether you have any choices in the matter? When there is no other choice, you have to carry on. (7) Find strength in defeat. Don't give up. Remember what Buddha did when he had to face the demons. (8) Be flexible. Think of an alternative way to reach your goal. (9) Tell yourself, "Only through challenge, can I gain confidence to successful meet challenge." (10) Remain strong. Value your life. (11) Remind yourself, "Troubles will not stay forever. Seeking enlightenment, on the other hand, is a long-term task. Don't be afraid." (12) Fight trouble using your wisdom, not your anger. All situations are a test of one's life. (13) Repeat this, "May all beings be free from suffering. Do not ask happiness for oneself alone. (14) Recite the passage, "Before Heaven entrusts a great task to a person, it will first examine the person's spirit and willingness, ...."

Is an ornately designed temple considered lavish?
When people visit a temple and see the fine decoration of the guestroom and conference room, they sometimes resent and criticize the facilities, insisting that a Dharma site should not be so luxurious. Does their reaction imply that a Buddhist temple should always appear dilapidated? In the Amitabha sutra, for example, we learn about the Amitabha Pure Land where the Dharma pervades the scenery, making the land a visual paradise. In this humanistic realm, we also need a good facility to teach the Dharma, a tattered guestroom or conference room offers no incentive for people to visit or hold meetings. Such a result not only hinders the progress and development of Buddhism, but also provides less opportunity to attract people. It is important for a temple to be respectfully and attentively decorated, in order to create an atmosphere of beauty and serenity.

How do we practice the merit of rejoicing in the welfare of others?
Among the Samantabadra Bodhisattava's ten great vows, there is one good deed called rejoicing with others' inclination. Buddhism emphasizes more on the merit of rejoicing in the welfare of others than monetary contributions. For, the former attributes even more merits than the monetary contribution and the merit generated through such practice is immeasurably infinite. So, how do we practice this cultivation? Simply by giving happiness to others anytime or anyplace. From the moment you wake up in the morning, greet people by saying, how are you or good morning; give a friendly smile to people you see. These kind of gestures are considered rejoicing in the welfare of others. Still, there are other ways such as paying respect through eye contact. Carry out the virtuous life of rejoicing in the welfare of others in our daily life anytime anywhere. For example, nod and waive to others; give a handy service to others; give an appropriate praising to others; offer earnest caring to others. Moreover, sharing your gourmet food with your friends will make the food more enjoyable. Sharing a good saying with your friends will broaden your vision of life. Sharing the exquisite of the Dharma to your friends or even all the sentient beings, will beautify your life and make it meaningful. Now, do not forget to always wear a smile my friend; give a friendly greeting, and blend the merit of rejoicing for others in your life.

What attitude towards drugs and alcohol in Buddhism?
When drugs are abused, the results can be devastating; for the abuser, for those who care for him or her, and for society at large. Alcoholism is a chronic illness which manifests itself as a disorder of behavior. In Buddhism, the last of the Five Precepts advocates total abstinence from the consumption of intoxicants including drugs and alcohol. The observance by Buddhists of this precept is extremely important for the well being of one's mental and physical health. However, flexibility is allowed in situations such as when alcohol or drugs have to be used for medical purposes, or if one uses strict self-control in consuming a minimal amount in a situation that cannot be avoided.

What attitude towards stealing in Buddhism?
Stealing is considered as an invasion of other people's property. No stealing is also one of the Five Precepts for Buddhists. Stealing is taking away other's possessions without the consent of the owner.

What attitude towards lying in Buddhism? Is it possible to live a life without telling lies?
Lying is forbidden in Buddhism and is again advocated by one of the Five Precepts. Though it is difficult to live a life without telling lies, we should still try our best to abide by this principle. There may be situations when lies are unavoidable; if the lies are for the benefit of others, they are not considered a violation of the precept.

What do you think about the hermetic life?
A Buddhist saying tells us, "Do not live alone in the mountains until you have become enlightened. Do not live in solitude until you have realized the true nature of all things." Locking ourselves away in isolation is not truly practicing Humanistic Buddhism. If we do not establish wisdom and merit well enough, our affliction do not cut off even we are in solitary practice. When we emerge from isolation, the world is still there, with all of its challenges. Closing ourselves off from these challenges, avoiding facing the world, and living off other's donations and generosities make us parasites on society. This is not practicing Buddhism, but an excuse for being lazy, and should not be encouraged.

What does "Using Falsehood to Cultivate Truth" mean?
"Falsehood" is our body. "Truth" is our mind. To practice Buddhism is to cultivate our mind. Our body is but a tool for this purpose. Most people pay so much attention to their bodies and ignore their minds. This is backwards. A hundred years from now, we will no longer have this body; nor the same friends, relatives, or wealth. But we will still have our mind. As Buddhist saying goes, "You take only karma with you at the time you die". Only our karma and our mind belong to us. In a story in the sutra, The Mind said to The Body, "Everyday, from morning to night, I help you get dressed, get washed, get fed, get going, and etc. Now you want to practice Buddhism, you run around to all the temples, dragging an empty shell this way and that. This is like looking for fish in the woods. Why don't you ask me about the Way? Listen to this: "The Buddha dwells at the Spiritual Peak, Seek Him not afar. Within your heart is the Spiritual Peak, With an altar already there. Better practice at your own altar by the Peak. It is silly of you to neglect me, The Mind, instead to look for The Buddha everywhere else." The important thing in this life is to find our true nature.

What are the Four Noble Truths?
To cleanse ignorance which is the source of all suffering, one must understand the Four Noble Truths: 1. The Truth of Suffering -- Life is subject to all kinds of suffering, the most basic being birth, aging, disease, and death. No one is exempt from these stages of existence. 2. The Cause of Suffering -- Suffering is caused by ignorance that results in desire and craving. It is craving which produces rebirth, accompanied by passionate clinging in life. It is the craving for pleasure, fame, or materialistic possessions that causes great dissatisfaction with life. 3. The Cessation of Suffering -- Cessation of suffering comes from total elimination of ignorance and detachment from desires and craving, reaching a state of supreme bliss or nirvana, wherein all suffering is extinguished. 4. The Path leading to the Cessation of Suffering -- The way leading to the cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Is Amitabha Buddha also known as Shakyamuni Buddha?
Amitabha Buddha is not Sakyamuni Buddha. Amitabha Buddha is the Buddha of the Western Pureland, which is not to be understood as a specific location but as a state of consciousness. Amitabha is Sanskrit meaning infinite light and life.

What is the Noble Eightfold Path?
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of: 1. Right understanding -- Have the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths so that one can understand things as they really are. 2. Right thought -- Develop a noble character of life and do not cause harm to others. 3. Right speech -- Abstain from lying, idle-talk, slander, and harsh words. 4. Right action -- Abstain from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct. 5. Right livelihood -- Avoid any occupation that causes harm to others such as butchering or selling intoxicants like alcohol or drugs. 6. Right effort -- Have self-discipline to attain full control of the mind in order to develop a clear mental state, thus avoiding an evil mental state. 7. Right mindfulness -- Develop awareness of all actions of the body, speech and mind so as to avoid wrongdoing. 8. Right concentration -- Attain mental peace and the wisdom to realize the full significance of the Four Noble Truths.

Why does Buddhism describe the deceased ones as "leaving for rebirth"?
From the objective meaning of Buddhism, all deceased who go to the three realms, six realms or even the Pure Land are all considered "left for rebirth". It wasn't until the Pure Land theory became more popular that a subjective category was set to include only those who are reborn in the Saha world (the human world) or the Pure Land as "leaving for rebirth." "Leaving for" stands for going to the Pure Land while "rebirth" designates a transformation within the seven precious lotus flowers in the Pure Land. The significance of calling the deceased "leaving for rebirth" implies good wishes for the deceased, the rebirth in the good realm.

Why does Buddhism refer dinner as
It takes a healthy body for one to preach the Dharma and benefit all sentient beings. Normally Ch'an practitioners abide by "the diet rule" which prohibits eating after lunch. Thus, Ch'an School considers porridge served at dinnertime as medicine and simply calls it "medicine meal". Meaning, eating at dinnertime is merely for the purpose of curing our hunger. The purpose of doing so is to restrain us from leading an excessive eating or wasting habit. We can also be refrained from the desire of greed by cutting down the habit of lavishness and wasting. (Beginning tomorrow, we will publish a series on "Daily Buddhist Wisdom---Dhammapada")
Rare moment of symmetry: palindrome minute for a palindrome day in a palindrome year
Wow! For one minute, the world will be in perfect symmetry.
In a year that reads the same backward as forward, Wednesday evening will bring 60 seconds of palindromic perfection - at least for those who follow the Gregorian calendar.
Today, the time, day, month and year will align: 8:02 p.m., Feb. 20, 2002.
Write that in military time and with numerals for the month of February and it works out to: 20:02, 02/20, 2002. In European style for the day and month it's just as balanced: 20:02, 20/02, 2002.
“A mirror day like this is a good opportunity for reflecting,” said Mark Saltveit, editor of The Palindromist magazine. He is devoted to palindromes of all sorts - strings of numbers, words or sentences that read the same backward or forward. The rare moment is drawing its share of attention: Saltveit, a standup comedian, said he already has three radio interviews lined up with European stations.
Separately, a Web site is calling for a two-minute prayer for peace to begin at the start of the palindromic moment. And an e-mail is making the rounds touting the rare alignment - though it mistakenly says the event last happened on Jan. 10, 1001 and will never happen again.
(Actually, it happened in the year 1111 and will again in 2112). Of course, all the excitement comes from a Western perspective, leaving aside the many other calendars that track the passage of time - Chinese, Islamic, Jewish, Ethiopian and others

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